Essay Sample about Amanda Gorman

Everything comes back to literature: Laws, news, and many other important aspects of our lives. Literature is not just reading a story or poem, but teaching critical thinking, history, and inspiration. There are so many influential authors and poets that we learn about throughout our education and life. What makes each one different from the other and why do we learn about them? Each author has an appeal about them that makes them notable and unforgettable. The authors introduced throughout this course have been part of the building blocks of literary and political movements, they’ve written about topics that were deemed taboo for their time and introduced new writing styles. They’ve inspired generation after generation of writers and changed the way society functions. So, who is Amanda Gorman and what makes her worth studying? Amanda Gorman has stood out from a young age, gaining many titles and major accomplishments for her poetry. She is part of a newer generations who want to make a difference in the world. Amanda wrote and performed The Hills We Climb in front of our Country and the world. Her performance and poem will forever be remembered, making a major impact on those who have listened or read it. Gorman is a young face to literature that has influenced many already in her still progressing career. She is a perfect role model for younger people and an inspiration to all, advocating for serious matters and using her spotlight in a positive way. 

Amanda Gorman has many incredible accomplishments under her name. By age 16, she earned the title of L.A. Youth Poet Laureate, in 2020, she graduated with a degree in Sociology from Harvard, and in 2017, she was named National Youth Poet Laureate of the United States, making her the first in that position. In 2017, she was invited to read at the Library of Congress, this is where Jill Biden first noticed her. She made such an impression on Jill Biden that she was remembered years later. In 2021, she would be invited to write and perform her poem in front of the Country at Joe Biden’s Presidential Inauguration. She like the other influential authors we have learned about, has already made her mark, and is continuing to progress. She uses her personal life to connect her poetry to others and her performances leave many amazed and inspired. 

The Hills We Climb is her most known work. When she was asked to write and perform it in front of the Country, she was given the theme: America United. Her poem references many important figures such as Maya Angelou, Martin Luther King Jr. Abraham Lincoln, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton, and so many other historical events and influential people. She did so much research to ensure accuracy and even incorporated part of her life to show the progress our country has made. She uses the symbolism of darkness and light to refer to the dark obstacles our country had to overcome and light of the new day, of hope. The Hill she speaks of symbolizes the challenges we have to “climb” to get to our goal: Unity. Gorman emphasizes that progress takes time and to acknowledge how far we have come to get where we are, but not to stop yet, to keep pushing forward. While American Literature is to entertain, it is also to teach. Amanda Gorman’s The Hills We Climb embodies the values and morals of American Culture. Referencing history to show our progress, incorporating current events to show where we’re at, and giving light and hope to us all for the future. 

This semester we’ve studied authors from many different eras. Each incorporating important values and events from their time. Now, we need new fresh influences that is relatable for the growing generations. American Literature shows the progress and changes in American culture, each piece a progression in time. We have an entirely different generation that is growing up now. They’ve been raised on technology and experiencing different current events. We must always remember our foundation and the people who worked to get us where we are now, but also need to grow and incorporate new influences. Amanda Gorman is the face of current American Literature that should be incorporated into the class. Her age, drive, accomplishments, poetry, and voice are enough to influence people of all age and bring a unique aspect to American Culture. She’s performed at the Super Bowl, Co-hosted Met Gala, and was named Estée Lauder Global Changemaker, and plans to run for President in 2036. She is making a name for herself through different ways and using those platforms to make a difference, truly inspiring.

American Literature will continue to grow and change over time. Each time frame will have new authors that are looked up to and remembered. Amanda Gorman is an author we could learn from now and in the future. Instilling important values and pushing open-mindedness. She is a historical and iconic figure using her work to helps us to understand society from different perspectives. The authors we learned about this semester are the foundation to where we are now. Incorporating her into this course would show the progression of our culture. 

Works Cited

Correspondent, Lian Parsons Harvard. “Amanda Gorman’s Inauguration Poem, ’the Hill We Climb’.” Harvard Gazette, 20 Jan. 2021, news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2021/01/amanda-gormans-inauguration-poem-the-hill-we-climb/?msclkid=79d3fc8fc38011ecb805feda6fbbd852. Accessed 20 Apr. 2022.

Morin, Natalie. “Loved Amanda Gorman’s Inaugural Poem? There’s More Where That Came From.” Www.refinery29.com, www.refinery29.com/en-us/2021/01/10269809/amanda-gorman-poetry-the-hill-we-climb-writing?msclkid=68a8cc65c3dc11ec849b85a620b0d344. Accessed 20 Apr. 2022.

CBS Broadcasting. “VIDEO: Harvard Graduate Amanda Gorman Makes History with Inaugural Poem.” CBS Boston, 20 Jan. 2021, boston.cbslocal.com/2021/01/20/amanda-gorman-inauguration-poem-youth-poet-laureate/?msclkid=f5d83b04c3dc11ec818bdcd06849ad3a. Accessed 21 Apr. 2022.

Alter, Alexandra. “Amanda Gorman Captures the Moment, in Verse.” The New York Times, 19 Jan. 2021, www.nytimes.com/2021/01/19/books/amanda-gorman-inauguration-hill-we-climb.html?msclkid=b2595065c3dd11eca56a7ad5392a3ca7. Accessed 21 Apr. 2022.

News, A. B. C. “22-Year-Old Amanda Gorman Becomes Youngest Poet to Read at Inauguration.” ABC News, 20 Jan. 2021, abcnews.go.com/GMA/News/22-year-amanda-gorman-read-poem-joe-bidens/story?id=75346294&msclkid=eb544082c3dd11eca25602f598abcab8. Accessed 19 Apr. 2022.

Editors, Biography com. “Amanda Gorman.” Biography, 2 Feb. 2022, www.biography.com/writer/amanda-gorman?msclkid=8d51048ac3de11ecab7197a2a1e557e8. Accessed 20 Apr. 2022.